Providing IPTV service since: August 2007 (in Norway)
List of challenges: Integration between ERP systems and IPTV provisioning systems; STB problems; VOD software bugs; Content owners that do not allow the company to sell channels one at the time (only bundled in packages); difficulties raising enough capital; content distributors that own distribution infrastructure.
Number of IPTV subscribers: not disclosed
IPTV equipment sourced from:
Set-top box: Motorola 1510 and 1910.
Middleware: Dreampark
Encoder: Latens
VOD Server: BitBand
Advice for the upcoming IPTV service providers: Realize that margins distributing TV and TV content are very slim. The service must be supplemented by other means of income, such as Internet access, VOD, advertising, IP telephony. DSL technology is very unpredictable and quite difficult. Focus on fiber access. Control over infrastructure is essential in order to gain customer acceptance.
Future of IPTV in Norway: Will grow, especially among groups of customers in housing units larger than 50 units.
Innovative aspects of company’s IPTV service:
Web portal for customers where they can configure services and channels (lead time negligible); Subscriber can change channels every month without incurring extra cost; It is possible to subscribe to single channels rather than be forced to subscribe to a bundle.
Company URL: www.comvie.no